Major cuts coming to the Francis Howell School District

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ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) - Cuts could be coming to the Francis Howell School District after voters rejected a tax increase in November. $1.3 million dollars worth of cuts could be coming to programs.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that two of the more extreme possibilities include cutting bus transportation for students within a 3.5 mile radius of their schools and converting to a four day school week. Neither of those possibilities would likely happen until at least 2018.

More immediate areas being looked at include charging high school students to participate in extra curricular activities and possibly cutting high school extra curricular programs. Cuts are also being considered to security personnel, teacher training and test materials.

This latest round of potential cuts comes after voters rejected a 60 cent tax levy increase last month. It was the second year in a row that voters in the Francis Howell District turned down a tax increase. $12 million dollars in cuts have already been made over the past two years.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the district is trying not to cut any more staff. All staff including administrators are on a salary freeze this year.

Francis Howell does have a high state performance rating and there is concern that consecutive years of cuts could impact that performance. There is a board meeting tonight where some financial issues could be discussed but no votes are scheduled.